Well, this is a treat! Louise Erdrich is always a delight, so can't wait to get into this. Thank you so much, Lucy Martin

Today marks the centenary of one of my absolute favourite writers from childhood. Joan Aiken's inimitable magic, energy, intelligence, humour and originality surely led to my lifelong love of books. 🥰

Donna Coonan Aaah thank you Donna! To have Joan Aiken published by Virago Press was a real highlight - and The Serial Garden was one of her most memorable! As was the delight of working with you and Poppy...

The doughnut scene in 'Skippy Dies' is one bloody virtuosic piece of tragicomic writing, isn't it? Brilliant. After 'The Bee Sting', I'm after more Paul Murray.

A good day's harvesting at the allotment before the rain hits ☺️

SO proud to hold this in my hands. Mama Day by Gloria Naylor is hailed as a masterpiece by writers such as Tayari Jones & Carmen Maria Machado. I was lucky enough to work with Robert Jones Jr & Irenosen Okojie on introductions. With these recommendations, what are you waiting for?

American gothic, Black horror, magical realism, romance - this is a writer whom I guarantee so many of you will love. I could write a dissertation on her universe - the interconnectedness of the characters from one book to another. Naylor is a revelation! thebookseller.com/news/three-nay…

If you think you know the Black American 20C canon, you need to discover Gloria Naylor. She merges Shakespeare, Dante's Inferno, horror, folk takes and American Gothic with thrilling originality. When I tracked down rights, I couldn't have been more over the moon.

After loving these two, very happy to see these brilliant novels on The Booker Prizes shortlist. Now for a revisit & a footlick. Which of the finalists should I read next?

What a beautiful piece from Katie Ward - Hilary Mantel was such a huge loss. 2 years

The fashion trend I'm finding most frustrating is transparent spectacle frames. For myopics? Really? I lose them every time I put them down. Really shouldn't try to follow the cool kids.

Kris Kristofferson RIP 💔youtu.be/o8B_J-Bd0iE?fe… via YouTube

It's not just booksellers. I've seen such a drain of middle-aged editors from the industry. As an agent said to me, 'We don't know who to send books to anymore; the editors are embryos'. Without diverse gatekeepers - including in age -publishers can't cater for diverse audiences.

Wherefore art thou, block-heeled platforms? Why didn't I buy in the summer? All the shops have now is stupid pointy kitten-heels/stilettos. Like we're back in 2002. I need dressy shoes for a *thing*, but I hate them all! Distraught!

When the least evil choice would have been voting for a party that facilitates genocide, you can't help feeling you're living in hellish times.

Is there any chance that you, derek guy , would consider moving over to Blue Sky? You're about the only reason I'm still here. Come on, you know you want to.

Come and hang out with me over on the other place. I'm done here: bsky.app/profile/donna1…

Hi Ticketmaster CS we bought tickets for Download Festival tomorrow but they aren't showing in the app (we have emails confirming purchase.) Opened a request through Fan Support which got as far as asking to comfirm details. But nothing since yesterday and need to travel soon. Help!